Co-sponsored by Rep Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) and Rep Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and their comrades in the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep Jerrold Nadler, September 15, introduced H.R. 3567, a bill that would repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

DOMA, signed into law by President Bill Clinton, states that: "The federal government defines marriage as a legal union exclusively between one man and one woman." DOMA further prohibits states from being forced to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

In 1998 Hawaii voters approved a constitutional amendment that became Article I, Section 23 of the state constitution which reads: "The legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples."

In the 2009 Legislative session, the State House passed HB 444 which would recognize same-sex civil unions. HB 444 awaits consideration by the State Senate in the session beginning in January.

HR 3567 would require Hawaii and all other states, territories, and Indian Tribes to recognize same-sex marriages performed in jurisdictions where such marriages are now legally recognized.